The Los Angeles Kings were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers, with interim coach Jim Hiller pointing out that the main difference in their Game 5 loss was the performance on special teams. “It’s a pretty simple write-up on this one: You saw one team execute and one team not on special teams,” said Hiller. The Oilers managed to score nine times on 20 power-play opportunities, showcasing their dominance in this area. This power play proficiency proved to be crucial in deciding the outcome of the series.
The Impact of the Oilers’ Power Play
The Oilers’ power play was so effective that it not only scored goals on the man advantage but also managed to capitalize on even-strength situations following successful penalty kills by the Kings. Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman both scored in quick succession after the Kings had killed penalties, highlighting the Oilers’ ability to strike at critical moments. This consistent success on the power play was a significant factor in Edmonton’s victory over Los Angeles.
Oilers’ star Connor McDavid emphasized the importance of both their power play and penalty kill units in the series against the Kings. While the power play was effective, McDavid also commended the penalty kill for its strong performance. He mentioned a specific instance in Game 4 where the penalty kill unit prevented a goal, showcasing the team’s overall commitment to excellence on special teams.
Coach Hiller reflected on the series and highlighted the contrast in special teams performance between the two teams. He acknowledged that the Kings’ inability to capitalize on the power play opportunities and the Oilers’ success in the same area played a significant role in determining the outcome of the series. The Oilers’ consistency in scoring on the power play proved to be a key factor in their victory over the Kings.
Disappointment for the Kings
For the Los Angeles Kings, the defeat at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers marked the third consecutive playoff elimination by the same opponent. This consistent loss to the Oilers over the years has left the Kings feeling disappointed and frustrated. Captain Anze Kopitar expressed his disappointment, stating that it was not a great feeling to suffer defeat against the same team for three years in a row.
The Edmonton Oilers now await the winner of the series between the Vancouver Canucks and the Nashville Predators. With their strong showing on special teams against the Kings, the Oilers will be looking to carry that momentum forward as they prepare for the next round of the playoffs. The dominance of their power play and penalty kill units will be crucial as they aim to advance further in the postseason.